NOBODY wants to be denied access to their grandchildren, but unfortunately it happens too often in modern society.
Award-winning journalist, Philippa McDonald will moderate an online panel discussion about grandparent alienation on July 29.
According to Elder Abuse Action Australia (EAAA), grandparent alienation occurs when grandparents are denied access to their grandchildren.
Types of alienation can range from not being invited to birthday parties or other milestone events in a grandchild's life, to being denied access of any sort.
It can occur over a long period of time and can be related to a number of issues, incluing family breakdown and financial abuse. .
The discussion will explore why grandparent alienation occurs and what can be done about it.
EAAA co-chair Diedre Timms said grandparent alienation was an important topic within the spectrum of elder abuse due to how common it was in the community.
"It's important to acknowledge that there are a lot of reasons for family breakdowns," she said.
"It's how this can play out in terms of ageism and older Australians suffering financial or emotional abuse that we are most concerned about."
Colleen Hanlon from Grandparents for Grandchildren Alienation Support Group will also be partaking in the webinar.
She said the Family Law Act did not provide grandparents with an automatic right to have contact with children.
"In the Federal system grandchildren have a right to see and have a relationship with their grandparents. We need that on both sides," she said.
Pannelist and Adjunct Associate Professor at Charles Sturt University Sue Field said elder abuse was not just something that targetted frail and vulnerable people and taking the legal route should be a last resort.
"Going to court is so arduous and takes a toll on all those involved," she said.
"The costs are substantial, it's incredibly time consuming, it often destroys any hope for future family relationships and puts the child in an unenviable position."
Other panellists include mediator and family dispute resolution practitioner Gabrielle Paslow and Antonios Maglis from Australian Greek community support organisation PRONIA.
The webinar will take place from 12.30pm and will run for 60 minutes.
To register click here.
